 |
| What is a Fair Play Tournament |
| |
Simply put. A Play
Fair policy encourages and fosters safety
and respect for our players and participants, and ensures the rights,
responsibilities and the privileges of all persons involved in our
association and tournament.
Fair Play does not change any rules of the game. Nor is the
misconception that Fair Play will detract from competitiveness and
winning a reality. In fact, the exact opposite has been found time
and again to be true. Fair Play
contributes to winning, as it encourages
every player on every team to be as competitive as possible, but to play
within the rules.
One of the driving forces behind our tournament for many years,
Bob Merrick,
articulates this better than most in, "Show Us What You Are Made Of By
Keeping It Clean". |
|
|
|
"Show Us What You Are Made Of By
Keeping It Clean" |
While it is "the fun" that draws us to
hockey, it is the character built and revealed that makes it worth all
of the time and money we invest in it. Approached the right way,
hockey can be an excellent tool
for reinforcing the values and attitudes we, as parents, try to instill
in our children at home.
It can also be an excellent way to prepare our teenagers for adulthood
and entrance into the workforce. Take for example: |
| |
| When players.... |
They demonstrate.... |
- are willing to pass the puck and set up
their teammates for goals
- take few penalties
- listen to their coaches and referees
- do pre-game stretches and are ready for the
game on time
- call when they are going to be away
- never give up in a game.
|
- the ability to be a team player and to value
supporting roles
- self-control and respect for rules
- respect for those placed in positions of
authority and a willingness to take commands
- self-discipline and an ability to
self-start.
- responsibility and consideration for others
- self-confidence and a good work ethic
|
Players who are
committed to playing "clean hockey"
and as a team, are never short of good character references for
job applications. Not only do they have coaches who have seen
their attitudes and actions both in the dressing room and on the bench,
they also have all of the parents who have viewed their conduct on the ice,
game after game, and in emotional charged situations that are common in
hockey. The question asked by prospective employers of a character
reference are often designed to see if the applicant has the kind of
character qualities referred to above.
At the Cougar Cup,
we like to offer some tangible rewards to players who demonstrate a
commitment to playing clean hockey and showing good sportsmanship.
Hence, when it comes to making it through your division,
penalty minutes certainly count. |
|
|
